'Strong traditions and diversity': Africa Party in the Park returns

After its first run last year, Africa Party in the Park returns with another day to showcase the best of African culture.

"When you ask about Africa, you'll often hear about the southern parts, the safaris. But Africa is a continent of 54 independent countries. We are diverse and rich in culture, and this weekend is an opportunity to showcase this to Canberra," organiser Kofi Bonsu said.

Africa Party in the Park organisers Kofi Bonsu and Elijah Mahama.Credit:Jamila Toderas

The volunteer-run event drew nearly 1,000 people in 2018.

One of the aims of the community event is to provide a platform for young African artists to showcase their talent.

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Thrilling African drumming sessions, cultural dance performances, and a fashion show will take place on Stage 88. Canberra's DJ Juicy will be serving up Afro beats, while Zambezi Sounds, Afro Fever, Drumassault, KG, and Osayo will also take to the stage. Bring along a picnic rug and settle in for a full day of entertainment.

"The idea is to bring Africa to Canberra. It's a celebration of African culture. It's about celebrating strong traditions and diversity," Bonsu said.

The Derkyi family at the 2018 Africa Party in the Park.

The kids will also have their day in the sun with face painting, a jumping castle, African artefacts and a delicious array of food stalls selling popular meals like jollof (a tomato rice dish), Kushari (a vegan Egyptian meal), and African barbecue.

Members of the ACT Legislative Assembly, as well as African diplomats, will be attending too.

Bonsu, who grew up in Italy and is Ghanaian by descent, hopes the event will help combat stereotypes of Africans in Australia and bridge the gap between the African community and other communities.

"Recently Africans have been copping a lot of heat in terms of the reporting of African gangs in Melbourne. It's quite unfortunate that something of this nature is happening, but this is not who we are," he said.

"We are doctors, nurses, lawyers, cleaners, teachers - so many talented young Africans who are contributing to this great nation of Australia."